Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6
to 8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the LED is not lit
during starting, have it checked. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............335
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............336
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........337
▫Steering Shaft Seal....................337
▫Steering Linkage......................337
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............337
▫Body Lubrication.....................338
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................338
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....339
▫Exhaust System......................339
▫Cooling System.......................340
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......345
▫Brakes.............................346▫Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake Fluid
Level Check.........................347
▫Fuel System Hoses....................349
▫Automatic Transmission................349
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped.....352
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........354
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................354
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 358
Integrated Power Module (IPM)............359
Vehicle Storage........................362
Replacement Light Bulbs.................363
Bulb Replacement......................364
▫Standard Quad Headlights...............364
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
The filter access door is located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side. To replace the filter slide the
lock toward the rear of the vehicle (unlock position).
Remove the access door and pull the filter downward.
When installing a new filter, ensure its proper orienta-
tion. Align the black arrow on the bottom of the filterframe with the direction of airflow (away from the
blower motor and towards the center of the car).
Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints are permanently sealed. No
regular maintenance is required for these components.
Steering Shaft Seal
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated with a multi-purpose grease.
Mopar multi-purpose lubricant is recommended.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints are permanently lubricated and
do not require periodic maintenance.
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has constant velocity universal joints. Peri-
odic lubrication of these joints is not required. However,
the joint boots should be inspected for external leakage or
damage when other maintenance is performed. If leakage
or damage is evident, the universal joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
7
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hoseshould be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake Fluid Level
Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
7
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
AWD Power Transfer Unit MoparGear Lubricant 75W-90 or equivalent.
AWD Overrunning Clutch MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
AWD Rear Carrier MoparGear Lubricant 75W-90 or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 or DOT 4+ is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 331
Air Conditioning....................243,336
Automatic Transaxle.................... 351
Engine Fuel.......................... 332
Engine Oil........................330,369
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 330
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 300
Turn Signal.....................166,366,367
Floor Console.......................... 151
Fluid Capacities......................... 368
Fluid Leaks............................. 69
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 350
Brake............................347,370
Power Steering.....................336,370
Fluids................................ 369
Fog Light Service........................ 366Fog Lights.......................124,171,366
Folding Rear Seat........................ 113
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 312
Fuel................................. 287
Adding............................. 290
Additives............................ 289
Clean Air............................ 287
Filler Cap............................ 290
Filter............................... 332
Gasoline............................ 287
Gauge.............................. 166
Hoses.............................. 349
Octane Rating......................287,369
Requirements......................287,368
Tank Capacity........................ 368
Fuel System Caution..................... 289
Fueling............................... 290
Fuses................................ 359
INDEX 409
10